Bands and the Feels
I am very proud of my musical taste it’s ridiculous. I listen to music and musicians most of my friends aren’t familiar with. I listen to songs that are basically not heard on the radio. I’m no hipster… but what I’m doing – shying away from the familiar and basically worshipping underrated artists – is so basic it’s almost hipster. That is very screwed up.
I like sharing to others the music I listen to, and it gives me
tremendous joy when they eventually love the music I love. It’s like a purpose I have to meet and achieve. Many have asked me how I learned about this and that artist, and I have so much emotions I cannot explain how without sounding like a tortured pig and crying. So this blog post is dedicated to narrating when, where and how I came to some bands/groups that make my life complete and yet
ruin me in the process.
The Summer Set. Probably my most favourite band of all, I learned about The Summer Set in a news article in 2012 about the Liv5 shows featuring A Rocket to the Moon, A+ Dropouts, Forever the Sickest Kids, The Ready Set and The Summer Set. Already a fan of The Ready Set and familiar with A Rocket to the Moon at that time, I decided to see the show. To prepare myself, I listened to all the artists. To be honest I wasn’t blown away by TSS’s music at first. I listened to “Someone Like You,” “Chelsea,” and “The Boys You Do (Get Back At You),” and I didn’t fall in love right away. So I saw them on Liv5 and thought that they’re a pretty band (and awesome BECAUSE FEMALE DRUMMER). I kind of forgot about them after that.
The release of
Legendary on April 2013 changed everything. The music was better; the lyrics relatable and real; the members sexier than ever. The boomerang hit me and I was a goner. I started following everyone on Twitter… and that only made everything worse. I fell in love not only with their music, but also with their personality. I knew it would be forever when
Josh Montgomery (guitars) told
Brian Dales (vocals) to stop quoting Peter Pan and just get laid. The Summer Set is a collection of smart, creative (check out their merch!), funny and inspiring people. I would stop right here because it would take me forever to express my love for them.
The 1975. This is where I tell you that I’m secretly a hipster. I learned about The 1975 when they had a show in the country, and I was bored so I went. This was on March 2014. I didn’t know them or any of their songs. I went out of curiosity and boredom. And it was the best decision of my life! Feeling like an outsider in the midst of true fans and getting really toasted by the sun, I found myself enjoying the band’s music even though I couldn’t understand what the hell
Matty Healy (vocals) was singing because of his thick accent. Okay fine, I also enjoyed the show because the members were good-looking, and they wore monochrome colours and that’s a total turn on.
The 1975 makes music one wouldn’t appreciate at first. They sound different and sometimes creepy. The essence of their songs lies in the words. When you listen to the songs and really grasp the story behind, you will
bawl your fucking eyes off. Plus, watching their bromances bloom before your eyes doesn’t hurt.
Echosmith. I’ll make this short: I learned about the Sierota siblings because of the Bazooka Rocks show (which I failed to see) and because of Brian Dales who says he loves the band (anything the Dales says, I believe). The only depressing thing is that the oldest member is as old as me, and that is fucking
twisted. What a way to feel small and irrelevant.
The Royal Concept. Once, I listened to a radio show [which plays indie music] and heard this really fun song “On Our Way” that asked to “pull me close, we’re losing time; pull me close, we’re falling to the ground.” I noted this song and did a little research on the band and looked their songs up on Youtube. I know you know I’d say this, but let me say it anyway: it was the best decision of my life! The album
Goldrushed is amazing! And I swear to God, when I heard “Cabin Down Below,” my insides just melted. By 1:43, I turned into a puddle. And even though I don’t dance, the song “Damn” turns me into a druggie on alcohol and ecstasy. I don’t care if they alter the voice and incorporate a lot of sound effects and shit; they are still amazing. They are also funny people (
they travel to the studio with a Nimbus 2000), so your argument is invalid.
Royal Teeth. Thank you,
American Idol, for introducing me to Royal Teeth. Thank you, Harry Connick Jr., for believing in their talent. Thank you, Youtube, for providing video archives and album streams that made my love for this group become full circle. Thank you, Twitter, for providing the means to communicate with them. Thank you, Royal Teeth, for great music and for the beautiful Nora and for acknowledging my tweets.
I have to give credit to Royal Teeth for introducing me to the world of indie and folk music. It is actually because of them that I got interested with bands with tambourines and skinny members. I survived summer of 2014 running to
Glow (and watching tons of foreign movies). I hope they release a new record soon because I need more of them in my life. I hope they visit the Philippines because why the heck not. Royal Teeth, my loves, how long will you take? ‘Cause I’ve been waiting here for you.
Passion Pit. I actually forgot how I learned about Passion Pit. All I know is that
Gossamer is giving me aural orgasm. It is so good that even the interlude “Two Veils to Hide My Face” is one of my favorite tracks. The best thing is that my best friend and I share the same love for Passion Pit and the song “Constant Conversation.” It goes without saying that Passion Pit’s music shakes my core. My body and feels are ready for
Kindred. I will go see him on his August concert because duh. It’s not my fault I’m happy. (P.S.: Is Passion Pit a band?)
The Colourist. I actually discovered this band through a recommendation. When I visited and liked/followed Echosmith’s Facebook page, The Colourist appeared on the recommendation panel. Out of sheer curiosity and hunger for new music, I checked them out. The first song I heard was “Little Games” which has a cute music video, but my favorite songs from their self-titled album are “Tonight (Young Hearts)” and “We Won’t Go Home.” This is also an awesome band BECAUSE BEAUTIFUL FEMALE DRUMMER – very beautiful that I made her photo my
computer’s wallpaper.
Magic Man. Another product of a recommendation panel. The album
Before the Waves is incredible. The members also dress nicely. (What.)
Flor. I actually haven’t done an intensive research on this band yet, but so far their music is
killing me. The vocalist’s hair is glorious. I have to give all the credit to mega bae Sam Smith for introducing me to Flor. He posted the album on Instagram and I just had to check the artist out because I’m a sucker for epic album artworks. Yes, sometimes we have to judge the music by its cover. The only sad thing in the world right now is that the band doesn’t have a full-length album yet and they should. The
Sounds EP only has four songs and sometimes the fans ask for more. Oh well, let’s not lose faith. We’re gonna pull through; we’re gonna let heart hold true.
Paradise Fears. It’s very frustrating that I don’t remember how I stumbled upon Paradise Fears because they are an amazing band and their music changes lives. Paradise Fears is one of the rare bands whose music actually inspires people. The lyrics are on point that you just have to say “Oh, that’s me; oh, that’s right, thank you” and start crying and continue listening to the songs because you’re a fucking masochist. This band deserves so much more credit and the #PREACH award. (P.S.: I probably learned about this band through The Summer Set. I’m not sure.)
Years & Years. This is the group I’ve been listening to and obsessing over lately that I feel very guilty because it seems like I’m betraying The Summer Set. I first heard Years & Years on V Channel, where their song “Desire” was part of a segment Top 5 Indie. I noticed and took note of them because (1) nice voice, (2) nice face, (3) nice song, and (4) nice music video. I was at school when I looked them up on Youtube, and – tada! – Emily Browning’s face welcomed me. That was a good sign. I don’t know how many times in my lifetime I would say this (probably a thousand times more) but it was the best decision of my life! I got so obsessed with their music my thesis partner at that time was almost annoyed. I couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing because I went on full cyberstalker mode and basically took all information gluttonously. I learned what their style is, and that Olly Alexander (vocals) is also an actor. So what in the world did I do? I watched two of his latest movies! I know it’s so mainstream to love the vocalist the best, but Olly is the most adorable creature ever! His personality is off the roof, and he’s so funny, candid and entertaining that one can’t help but scroll through his tweets/
Instagram posts and burst into fits of laughter.
I am so all over them these days it’s scary; I’m smothering them with my emotions. My excitement for their debut album is beyond comparison, and I think my soul would depart from my body for ten seconds if/when they decide to do a show in our Narnia country. (P.S.: I’m listening to “Worship” as I write this.)
I didn’t expect for this post to be this long. Ah, the torrent of fangirl feelings. So much feelings. Very feelings. Drowning of feelings. Feelings feelings. Thank you, universe, for amazing music and people who decided to share their talents to us. They are kings; we are mere peasants.
I’ve used so many song references here it’s ridiculous.
Graduation Speech
Graduation Speech
by Christine Faye S. Ordas
AB Broadcasting
Batch 2015 Summa Cum Laude
Roosevelt College System
Our beloved President, Mr. Romeo P. Dela Paz; members of the Board of Trustees of Roosevelt College System; administrators, deans and faculty; parents; fellow graduates; ladies and gentlemen, good evening to all of you.
Graduation night is a mixture of emotions for each one of us. I’m sure tonight we are happy and elated that, finally, we are here in this moment. We are wearing our togas, and our parents are beaming with pride. But also tonight we are sad, because we will be leaving the institution that has nurtured and taught us for many years. We are parting ways with people that became our mentors and students that became our friends. Indeed, graduation night is bittersweet. We may think that tonight is an ending, but this is not the case. Tonight, after we receive our diplomas and toss our caps in the air (where I hope nobody gets hurt), we will start a new chapter in our lives.
Tomorrow we will cease to be students. Tomorrow we will go to different directions that will provide us experiences and make our life become full circle.
I’ve learned many things during my stay in our Alma Mater, and I will cherish and apply this knowledge when I go out there in the world of deadlines and board meetings. But I’m also learning things now that I have finished college, and tonight, I will share with you, my fellow graduates, three of the many ways to be champions in life, which I hope will help you live the life you will remember.
One: Be grateful. Be grateful for your blessings that come in all forms. Be grateful that you are here because that means you met the requirements and passed the grueling task of completing a feasibility study, a thesis or a capstone. Be grateful for the people in your life who inspire and care for you. Be grateful for your professors and mentors who not only gave you wisdom and knowledge, but also passing grades and sometimes food. Be grateful for friends who support you even when your plans sound crazy and who lovingly makes fun of your embarrassing photos. Be grateful for your triumphs and successes. Be grateful for the heartaches that make you stronger. Be grateful for the trials that let you down, because through them, you get in touch with the earth and in touch with yourself, and you ultimately remember your worth and purpose. Be grateful for the experiences that shaped who you are today. Be grateful for good books and movies and music. Be grateful for every day: for every sunrise that promises a good day, and for sunsets that promise a good tomorrow.
We should most importantly be grateful to our parents and guardians who supported us all the way, who worked hard to send us to college and provided for our needs. If there are champions in life, it is our parents. They have been guiding us all our lives and never did they doubt our abilities. When we fall and scrape our knees, they are there to pick us up and tend to our wounds; when we fly and reach for the stars, they are there to hold our hands and soar with us. Our dear parents, there are not enough words to describe our gratitude and love for you. We love you till this lifetime ends, and if we ever live again, we will love you just the same.
Two: Be open to change. The scariest and saddest thing in the world is not about having a slow internet connection, or Zac Efron getting married, or One Direction breaking up for good. These are trivial things. Instead, the scariest and saddest thing in the world is becoming that person who does not have the desire to change; because this means that life does not inspire you anymore. My fellow graduates, do not be afraid to change. Change for the better. Discover who you are and who you want to be. Work hard to be the best version of yourself. Life should not be static; you should not be static, so don’t be afraid to change.
Three: Be excited. Be excited about life and about the future. Be excited for new adventures and experiences. Be excited because after tonight, you will have the bigger chance to strive for your aspirations. Do not be afraid of what lies ahead, but instead be eager to discover where the next step will lead you. Be spontaneous: let life surprise you and embrace these surprises. Be passionate and follow your heart.
Tonight is the 50th Commencement Exercises of Roosevelt College System Tertiary Education Division. We are the 50th batch of graduates; and I would like to think that we are also the golden batch. We should uphold this title. We should be golden: we should strive for excellence and always put our best foot forward. We should become the persons our family would be proud of, persons our Alma Mater would remember and commend, and persons our own selves would love and celebrate.
After tonight, we will embark on a new journey. We will go out there and meet new people, see new places, drink more coffee, meet deadlines, get rejected, make mistakes, learn, grow up, grow old, fall in love, get lost and find ourselves again. Life will be ten times harder – this is the sad reality. But it is up to us to rise up to these challenges and be champions. When life gives you lemons, don’t just make lemonade; make lemon meringue pies!
Be grateful; be open to change; be excited. Listen to your heart. Keep your head up. Be humble and compassionate. Have faith. Never give up; never stop dreaming; and never lose hope.
Congratulations, my fellow graduates! Stay gold, and welcome to the world!
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a woeful & chaotic diary since 071409
Bands and the Feels
I am very proud of my musical taste it’s ridiculous. I listen to music and musicians most of my friends aren’t familiar with. I listen to songs that are basically not heard on the radio. I’m no hipster… but what I’m doing – shying away from the familiar and basically worshipping underrated artists – is so basic it’s almost hipster. That is very screwed up.
I like sharing to others the music I listen to, and it gives me
tremendous joy when they eventually love the music I love. It’s like a purpose I have to meet and achieve. Many have asked me how I learned about this and that artist, and I have so much emotions I cannot explain how without sounding like a tortured pig and crying. So this blog post is dedicated to narrating when, where and how I came to some bands/groups that make my life complete and yet
ruin me in the process.
The Summer Set. Probably my most favourite band of all, I learned about The Summer Set in a news article in 2012 about the Liv5 shows featuring A Rocket to the Moon, A+ Dropouts, Forever the Sickest Kids, The Ready Set and The Summer Set. Already a fan of The Ready Set and familiar with A Rocket to the Moon at that time, I decided to see the show. To prepare myself, I listened to all the artists. To be honest I wasn’t blown away by TSS’s music at first. I listened to “Someone Like You,” “Chelsea,” and “The Boys You Do (Get Back At You),” and I didn’t fall in love right away. So I saw them on Liv5 and thought that they’re a pretty band (and awesome BECAUSE FEMALE DRUMMER). I kind of forgot about them after that.
The release of
Legendary on April 2013 changed everything. The music was better; the lyrics relatable and real; the members sexier than ever. The boomerang hit me and I was a goner. I started following everyone on Twitter… and that only made everything worse. I fell in love not only with their music, but also with their personality. I knew it would be forever when
Josh Montgomery (guitars) told
Brian Dales (vocals) to stop quoting Peter Pan and just get laid. The Summer Set is a collection of smart, creative (check out their merch!), funny and inspiring people. I would stop right here because it would take me forever to express my love for them.
The 1975. This is where I tell you that I’m secretly a hipster. I learned about The 1975 when they had a show in the country, and I was bored so I went. This was on March 2014. I didn’t know them or any of their songs. I went out of curiosity and boredom. And it was the best decision of my life! Feeling like an outsider in the midst of true fans and getting really toasted by the sun, I found myself enjoying the band’s music even though I couldn’t understand what the hell
Matty Healy (vocals) was singing because of his thick accent. Okay fine, I also enjoyed the show because the members were good-looking, and they wore monochrome colours and that’s a total turn on.
The 1975 makes music one wouldn’t appreciate at first. They sound different and sometimes creepy. The essence of their songs lies in the words. When you listen to the songs and really grasp the story behind, you will
bawl your fucking eyes off. Plus, watching their bromances bloom before your eyes doesn’t hurt.
Echosmith. I’ll make this short: I learned about the Sierota siblings because of the Bazooka Rocks show (which I failed to see) and because of Brian Dales who says he loves the band (anything the Dales says, I believe). The only depressing thing is that the oldest member is as old as me, and that is fucking
twisted. What a way to feel small and irrelevant.
The Royal Concept. Once, I listened to a radio show [which plays indie music] and heard this really fun song “On Our Way” that asked to “pull me close, we’re losing time; pull me close, we’re falling to the ground.” I noted this song and did a little research on the band and looked their songs up on Youtube. I know you know I’d say this, but let me say it anyway: it was the best decision of my life! The album
Goldrushed is amazing! And I swear to God, when I heard “Cabin Down Below,” my insides just melted. By 1:43, I turned into a puddle. And even though I don’t dance, the song “Damn” turns me into a druggie on alcohol and ecstasy. I don’t care if they alter the voice and incorporate a lot of sound effects and shit; they are still amazing. They are also funny people (
they travel to the studio with a Nimbus 2000), so your argument is invalid.
Royal Teeth. Thank you,
American Idol, for introducing me to Royal Teeth. Thank you, Harry Connick Jr., for believing in their talent. Thank you, Youtube, for providing video archives and album streams that made my love for this group become full circle. Thank you, Twitter, for providing the means to communicate with them. Thank you, Royal Teeth, for great music and for the beautiful Nora and for acknowledging my tweets.
I have to give credit to Royal Teeth for introducing me to the world of indie and folk music. It is actually because of them that I got interested with bands with tambourines and skinny members. I survived summer of 2014 running to
Glow (and watching tons of foreign movies). I hope they release a new record soon because I need more of them in my life. I hope they visit the Philippines because why the heck not. Royal Teeth, my loves, how long will you take? ‘Cause I’ve been waiting here for you.
Passion Pit. I actually forgot how I learned about Passion Pit. All I know is that
Gossamer is giving me aural orgasm. It is so good that even the interlude “Two Veils to Hide My Face” is one of my favorite tracks. The best thing is that my best friend and I share the same love for Passion Pit and the song “Constant Conversation.” It goes without saying that Passion Pit’s music shakes my core. My body and feels are ready for
Kindred. I will go see him on his August concert because duh. It’s not my fault I’m happy. (P.S.: Is Passion Pit a band?)
The Colourist. I actually discovered this band through a recommendation. When I visited and liked/followed Echosmith’s Facebook page, The Colourist appeared on the recommendation panel. Out of sheer curiosity and hunger for new music, I checked them out. The first song I heard was “Little Games” which has a cute music video, but my favorite songs from their self-titled album are “Tonight (Young Hearts)” and “We Won’t Go Home.” This is also an awesome band BECAUSE BEAUTIFUL FEMALE DRUMMER – very beautiful that I made her photo my
computer’s wallpaper.
Magic Man. Another product of a recommendation panel. The album
Before the Waves is incredible. The members also dress nicely. (What.)
Flor. I actually haven’t done an intensive research on this band yet, but so far their music is
killing me. The vocalist’s hair is glorious. I have to give all the credit to mega bae Sam Smith for introducing me to Flor. He posted the album on Instagram and I just had to check the artist out because I’m a sucker for epic album artworks. Yes, sometimes we have to judge the music by its cover. The only sad thing in the world right now is that the band doesn’t have a full-length album yet and they should. The
Sounds EP only has four songs and sometimes the fans ask for more. Oh well, let’s not lose faith. We’re gonna pull through; we’re gonna let heart hold true.
Paradise Fears. It’s very frustrating that I don’t remember how I stumbled upon Paradise Fears because they are an amazing band and their music changes lives. Paradise Fears is one of the rare bands whose music actually inspires people. The lyrics are on point that you just have to say “Oh, that’s me; oh, that’s right, thank you” and start crying and continue listening to the songs because you’re a fucking masochist. This band deserves so much more credit and the #PREACH award. (P.S.: I probably learned about this band through The Summer Set. I’m not sure.)
Years & Years. This is the group I’ve been listening to and obsessing over lately that I feel very guilty because it seems like I’m betraying The Summer Set. I first heard Years & Years on V Channel, where their song “Desire” was part of a segment Top 5 Indie. I noticed and took note of them because (1) nice voice, (2) nice face, (3) nice song, and (4) nice music video. I was at school when I looked them up on Youtube, and – tada! – Emily Browning’s face welcomed me. That was a good sign. I don’t know how many times in my lifetime I would say this (probably a thousand times more) but it was the best decision of my life! I got so obsessed with their music my thesis partner at that time was almost annoyed. I couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing because I went on full cyberstalker mode and basically took all information gluttonously. I learned what their style is, and that Olly Alexander (vocals) is also an actor. So what in the world did I do? I watched two of his latest movies! I know it’s so mainstream to love the vocalist the best, but Olly is the most adorable creature ever! His personality is off the roof, and he’s so funny, candid and entertaining that one can’t help but scroll through his tweets/
Instagram posts and burst into fits of laughter.
I am so all over them these days it’s scary; I’m smothering them with my emotions. My excitement for their debut album is beyond comparison, and I think my soul would depart from my body for ten seconds if/when they decide to do a show in our Narnia country. (P.S.: I’m listening to “Worship” as I write this.)
I didn’t expect for this post to be this long. Ah, the torrent of fangirl feelings. So much feelings. Very feelings. Drowning of feelings. Feelings feelings. Thank you, universe, for amazing music and people who decided to share their talents to us. They are kings; we are mere peasants.
I’ve used so many song references here it’s ridiculous.
Graduation Speech
Graduation Speech
by Christine Faye S. Ordas
AB Broadcasting
Batch 2015 Summa Cum Laude
Roosevelt College System
Our beloved President, Mr. Romeo P. Dela Paz; members of the Board of Trustees of Roosevelt College System; administrators, deans and faculty; parents; fellow graduates; ladies and gentlemen, good evening to all of you.
Graduation night is a mixture of emotions for each one of us. I’m sure tonight we are happy and elated that, finally, we are here in this moment. We are wearing our togas, and our parents are beaming with pride. But also tonight we are sad, because we will be leaving the institution that has nurtured and taught us for many years. We are parting ways with people that became our mentors and students that became our friends. Indeed, graduation night is bittersweet. We may think that tonight is an ending, but this is not the case. Tonight, after we receive our diplomas and toss our caps in the air (where I hope nobody gets hurt), we will start a new chapter in our lives.
Tomorrow we will cease to be students. Tomorrow we will go to different directions that will provide us experiences and make our life become full circle.
I’ve learned many things during my stay in our Alma Mater, and I will cherish and apply this knowledge when I go out there in the world of deadlines and board meetings. But I’m also learning things now that I have finished college, and tonight, I will share with you, my fellow graduates, three of the many ways to be champions in life, which I hope will help you live the life you will remember.
One: Be grateful. Be grateful for your blessings that come in all forms. Be grateful that you are here because that means you met the requirements and passed the grueling task of completing a feasibility study, a thesis or a capstone. Be grateful for the people in your life who inspire and care for you. Be grateful for your professors and mentors who not only gave you wisdom and knowledge, but also passing grades and sometimes food. Be grateful for friends who support you even when your plans sound crazy and who lovingly makes fun of your embarrassing photos. Be grateful for your triumphs and successes. Be grateful for the heartaches that make you stronger. Be grateful for the trials that let you down, because through them, you get in touch with the earth and in touch with yourself, and you ultimately remember your worth and purpose. Be grateful for the experiences that shaped who you are today. Be grateful for good books and movies and music. Be grateful for every day: for every sunrise that promises a good day, and for sunsets that promise a good tomorrow.
We should most importantly be grateful to our parents and guardians who supported us all the way, who worked hard to send us to college and provided for our needs. If there are champions in life, it is our parents. They have been guiding us all our lives and never did they doubt our abilities. When we fall and scrape our knees, they are there to pick us up and tend to our wounds; when we fly and reach for the stars, they are there to hold our hands and soar with us. Our dear parents, there are not enough words to describe our gratitude and love for you. We love you till this lifetime ends, and if we ever live again, we will love you just the same.
Two: Be open to change. The scariest and saddest thing in the world is not about having a slow internet connection, or Zac Efron getting married, or One Direction breaking up for good. These are trivial things. Instead, the scariest and saddest thing in the world is becoming that person who does not have the desire to change; because this means that life does not inspire you anymore. My fellow graduates, do not be afraid to change. Change for the better. Discover who you are and who you want to be. Work hard to be the best version of yourself. Life should not be static; you should not be static, so don’t be afraid to change.
Three: Be excited. Be excited about life and about the future. Be excited for new adventures and experiences. Be excited because after tonight, you will have the bigger chance to strive for your aspirations. Do not be afraid of what lies ahead, but instead be eager to discover where the next step will lead you. Be spontaneous: let life surprise you and embrace these surprises. Be passionate and follow your heart.
Tonight is the 50th Commencement Exercises of Roosevelt College System Tertiary Education Division. We are the 50th batch of graduates; and I would like to think that we are also the golden batch. We should uphold this title. We should be golden: we should strive for excellence and always put our best foot forward. We should become the persons our family would be proud of, persons our Alma Mater would remember and commend, and persons our own selves would love and celebrate.
After tonight, we will embark on a new journey. We will go out there and meet new people, see new places, drink more coffee, meet deadlines, get rejected, make mistakes, learn, grow up, grow old, fall in love, get lost and find ourselves again. Life will be ten times harder – this is the sad reality. But it is up to us to rise up to these challenges and be champions. When life gives you lemons, don’t just make lemonade; make lemon meringue pies!
Be grateful; be open to change; be excited. Listen to your heart. Keep your head up. Be humble and compassionate. Have faith. Never give up; never stop dreaming; and never lose hope.
Congratulations, my fellow graduates! Stay gold, and welcome to the world!
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a woeful & chaotic diary since 071409
